A: News – The Coatesville Timeshttp://coatesvilletimes.com
Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:38:43 +0000en-UShourly1‘Operation Silent Night’ returns, 40 arrestedhttp://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=19034
http://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=19034#respondTue, 26 Sep 2017 14:39:37 +0000http://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=19034COATESVILLE — With urban crime again on the rise around the country, local and county law enforcement moved to bring back “Operation Silent Night” in an attempt to stem violent crime and drug dealing in the city, with this summer’s operation leading to the arrest of 40 people.

Chester County district Attorney Tom Hogan announced the results of the reconstituted program, Tuesday, which was brought back after homicides in the city in 2016 sparked concerns about a spike in crime in the area.

Operation Silent Night originally was created in 2012. It is a comprehensive law enforcement operation that combines the resources of the Coatesville Police Department, the Chester County Detectives, and other law enforcement agencies.

“Over the past year, we have seen increased violent crime rates in cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Wilmington,” Hogan said in a statement. “Coatesville experienced multiple murders in 2016. Rather than take a wait-and-see approach, Chester County law enforcement decided to attack the issue aggressively and proactively, reinstituting Operation Silent Night. As a result, multiple dangerous criminals have been taken off the streets of Coatesville. Coatesville experienced a single homicide this past summer, which was quickly solved. Operation Silent Night lets the good citizens of Coatesville sleep soundly, but gives the criminals nightmares.”

Operation Silent Night is a complicated, time consuming operation that requires close work between local and county law enforcement for it to work.

“Once again, the teamwork approach to law enforcement proves to be the most effective,”Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer said. “By partnering with county, state, and federal law enforcement, and our county and federal prosecutors, we are able to efficiently identify, arrest, and prosecute those criminals who commit the violent crime that is so disruptive to our communities.”

An image of the most recent arrests for Operation Silent Night.

The defendants have been arrested and charged with dealing drugs, illegal firearms trafficking and possession, and violent offenses. The defendants are being prosecuted by both local and federal authorities.

For instance, defendant Terrance “T-Rok” Rokins has been charged with 15 counts of drug trafficking as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonte Dalton is in federal custody, charged with trafficking in firearms. Steve “Black” Pittman is charged with drug dealing. Edwar Pinto and Taj Richards have been charged with murder.

Many of those arrested are familiar names to local and county law enforcement.

“There are names and faces in this list who have been problems for Coatesville going back more than a decade,”Kevin Dykes, Chief of the Chester County Detectives, said. “And there are some new young guys getting into the life of drugs and violence. Operation Silent Night sends a simple message to criminals: stay out of Coatesville.”

Silent Night allows authorities to focus efforts on what it sees as known bad actors — individuals with criminal histories and linked to various criminal enterprises in the city.

“If you ask police officers who are the criminals in the community most likely to be involved in murders or other violent crimes, the police are able to identify those individuals without any problem,” Laufer said. “Operation Silent Night gives us the resources and focus to arrest these defendants for drugs and weapons offenses before they kill somebody, and maybe before an innocent child gets hit in the crossfire. When we see the violent crime rates spiking in big cities like Philadelphia and smaller cities like Chester in Delaware County, we recognize the need to use innovative tools to protect our own community. The Coatesville community and Coatesville Police Department want the City of Coatesville to be a safe place for families and businesses to thrive.”

While the city’s police department has been credited with an overall reduction in crime in the city, it is clear that broader support from county law enforcement helps.

“The Coatesville Police Department, working with the rest of Chester County law enforcement, has done an outstanding job of keeping the people of Coatesville safe,” Hogan said. “Operation Silent Night will continue to keep the pressure on criminals. This multi-faceted operation is a model program that other cities can and should use. We are proud to see Chester County law enforcement leading the way.”

: Legislators, dignitaries and students gather to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

WEST CHESTER — On September 17, 1787, eleven years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, 39 delegates came together to sign the United States Constitution. On September 18, 2017, more than 50 students came together to commemoratively sign it again at the Chester County Constitution Day Celebration on the steps of the historic West Chester courthouse.

In recent years, there has been an effort to increase awareness of the importance of the signing in our nation’s history. To support this effort, Engaged Citizenship Executive Director David Woods collaborated with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to host the event. Students from East Coventry and East Vincent Elementary Schools, the Henderson High School Chamber Choir, the PA-771 Air Force JROTC from Coatesville Area Senior High School, Chester County Student Forum and local and state legislators gathered as a community to celebrate the formation and signing of the Constitution, securing the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Those in attendance celebrated citizenship for all individuals born in the United States, as well as those who came to the United States through the naturalization process. The topic of being an engaged citizen resonated throughout the day. Sixth grade East Coventry student, Dylan Weaver noted, “It’s a really big moment in American history.” Adding, “It is important for everyone to know their rights and to stay educated on them.” David Woods echoed the sentiment of civic responsibility, adding “Today is a rallying cry for civics with a goal of getting people involved. One of the most important jobs of our schools is to graduate citizens; everyone is a citizen and each has a responsibility to be educated and to vote.”

The day kicked off with a presentation of colors from the PA-771 Air Force JROTC from Coatesville Area Senior High School and a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by the Henderson High School Chamber Choir. The Honorable Eric Roe lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the reciting of the Preamble of the Constitution. Next, United States Congressman Ryan Costello, Representative Harry Lewis, Jr., Representative Carolyn Comitta and Commissioners Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline shared their visions of America and hopes for the future. “Each year as we celebrate Constitution Day, we reflect on the charted course for our country’s future.” The event concluded in a reenactment of John Jay and Elbridge Gerry’s 1787 discussion about whether or not to sign the Constitution, presented by Student Forum officers Jessica Dauphinais and Victoria Wright of Phoenixville Area High School.

EAST FALLOWFIELD — A township man announced Wednesday he will seek the 74th District State Representative seat in 2018. Frank Pryor said he would seek the democratic nomination for the seat currently held by State Rep. Harry Lewis Jr. (R-74).

“As State Representative, I will advance opportunities for jobs & economic development, advocate for quality education and state of the art school facilities, and support our senior population,” Pryor said in his statement. “We all deserve access to quality health care, safe streets, and affordable access to a college education. My vision is clear. My efforts are focused. My commitment is unwavering.”

Pryor has begun to gather support in the surrounding community for his run.

“Frank is just the kind of person we need to be our State Representative”, said Jim Mosley, an East Fallowfield resident. “He is smart, hardworking, and committed to the long term development in all of the communities that comprise the 74th legislative district.”

The district includes the townships of Caln, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Sadsbury and Valley; the boroughs of Downingtown, Modena, Parkesburg and South Coatesville; and the City of Coatesville.

Pryor has been a faculty member in the Political Science Department at Villanova University since 1997. He has built solid relationships throughout Chester County and with policymakers in Harrisburg. In 2014, Frank was appointed to serve on Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s Transition Team.

“Frank is a polished professional,” says Emango Hopewell. “But I am most impressed with his lifetime of community service, volunteerism and dedication to youth development programs like the Coatesville Youth Initiative. He is just the kind of leader our district needs, and the reasoned voice we want in Harrisburg representing our interests.”

“Our team has already begun to knock on doors and engage voters. The response thus far has been fantastic across the entire district. I’m thrilled with the opportunity to serve,” said Pryor.

Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth A. Schew, Assistant Chester County Fire Marshal; John A. Weer, Chester County Chief County Fire Marshal; John DiBuonaventuro, Chester County Sheriff’s Office; K-9 Leo, Chester County Sheriff’s Office; and Tom Ost-Prisco, Chester County Deputy District Attorney.

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced that Deputy District Attorney Tom Ost-Prisco has been appointed to serve on the National Fire Protection Association (the “NFPA”) committee that develops national guidelines for fire investigators.

The NFPA reviews and publishes a fire investigation handbook every three years. The handbook provides evolving best practices to use during the investigation of arson and explosives cases. It covers everything from the initial fire investigation through trial and is used throughout the country.

Ost-Prisco is the only prosecutor serving on the NFPA committee, which is made up of experts from multiple fields across the United States. Ost-Prisco has served as a prosecutor for 20 years and as a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years. He also teaches fire investigation courses at the United States Fire Academy. As a Deputy District Attorney, Ost-Prisco supervises all arson­ related cases in Chester County.

“With decades of experience as both a prosecutor and firefighter, Tom Ost-Prisco provides a unique and invaluable resource to the National Fire Protection Association,” Chester County District Attorney Hogan said. “The Chester County District Attorney’s Office appreciates the opportunity to assist the firefighting community across the United States with Tom’s service and insight. All of Chester County is proud of Tom.”

His fire investigative colleagues in Chester County welcomed the appointment.

“Congratulations to Tom Ost-Prisco on his appointment to the NFPA 921 committee,” Chester County Chief Fire Marshal John Weer said. “This appointment not only speaks for the hard work and dedication Tom has put into the legal side of fire and arson investigations, but it also exemplifies the hard work and supportive team work of the District Attorney’s Office.Tom will be a huge asset to the committee as well as the entire fire and explosion investigative teams throughout the nation. Tom’s experience as a volunteer firefighter and as a prosecutor in fire and arson here in Chester County gives him invaluable hands-on knowledge in making common sense decisions for the committee. As the Chief Fire Marshal for Chester County, I am very proud of Tom’s appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him at home and now with the National Committee.”

Ost-Prisco said he knew it was an honor to join such an important organization.

“I am honored to serve the National Fire Protection Association, and to work with fire experts from around the county.” Ost-Prisco said. “The handbook, known as NFPA 921, is an important resource used by fire investigators. It is recognized by both federal and state courts nationwide as a proper foundation for an investigator’s expert testimony. I am looking forward to giving prosecutors a voice on this committee.”

]]>http://coatesvilletimes.com/?feed=rss2&p=189610Flu vaccine clinics scheduled around Chester Countyhttp://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=18908
http://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=18908#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 13:16:41 +0000http://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=18908WEST CHESTER — With the start of flu season already underway, the Chester County Health Department is offering flu vaccinations at schools and community sites from September through November. Clinics are open to the entire community without an appointment.

An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. “Because the weather is still warm, it is hard to believe that it is already the time of year to think about flu vaccinations,” said Jeanne Casner, Director of the Chester County Health Department. “Now is the best time to plan to protect yourself so you, your family and your neighbors remain healthy.”

“Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. The best defense we have is getting vaccinated,” adds Casner.

Flu vaccines are also available by appointment at the Chester County Health Department, at 601 Westtown Road in West Chester.

The Health Department will have flu vaccine available for people as young as six months old, and special high-dose vaccine for seniors. People with private health insurance should bring their insurance card for billing. The flu vaccine will be available at no charge to children with State Medical Insurance and for all people who do not have health insurance.

Gov. Tom Wolf, pictured with James DePetris, CEO of DEPG Associates (left) and City Council member Ed Simpson (right), greeted residents at Fuel City Cafe as he visited Coatesville Friday to tour the revitalization project that is now underway in the city.

By Lauren Parker,News Editor, The Times

COATESVILLE – Gov. Tom Wolf paid a surprise visit to the city Friday afternoon to observe the revitalization efforts and tour the project sites that are now underway.

Wolf addressed the small crowd that had gathered at Fuel City Café in anticipation of his arrival, which also included State Rep. Harry Lewis (R-74), praising the revitalization project that is underway.

“It’s really good to be here…to see what’s going on.” Wolf said.

Wolf mentioned he often took the train through Coatesville on his way to and from Philadelphia and that he is looking forward to the improvements. He also praised the city for its efforts to make the neighborhoods good and safe for everyone, which, according to Wolf, is something every community should be doing.

Before beginning the tour, Gov. Wolf stood with State Representative Harry Lewis (R-47) and Sonia Huntzinger of Coatesville’s 2nd Century Alliance and praised the efforts of all involved with the project and said he was impressed with how the city is working to bounce back.

“It’s important, what you’re doing to bring Coatesville back…before Lukens Steel was the centerpiece of the economy here and created a lot of jobs…the steel industry has seen better days but you’re bouncing back.” Wolf said.

Lewis thanked the governor for attending and pointed out the city officials who were also in attendance to take part in the walking tour, such as the City Manager Mike Trio, City Council member Ed Simpson, Sonia Huntzinger of Coatesville’s 2nd Century Alliance and CEO of DEPG Associates, Jim DePetris, who Lewis credits for working diligently to get this project moving in the right direction.

“We are so proud of our town and now we’re on that jump to move forward…and it’s looking like we really are moving forward.” Lewis stated.

The walking tour then began on North Third Avenue and continued up to Fleetwood Street, which is the site for the new train station. Plans for the station are still in design review but are projected to include repaving North Third Avenue, the addition of new sidewalks that will be accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as potential commercial office space.

After viewing the future site of the new train station at the intersection of North Third Avenue and Fleetwood Street, Wolf and Lewis further discussed the details of the project as they made their way toward South First Ave and Lincoln Highway to the view the Gateway Redevelopment Project, which is now underway.

From there, the tour continued to the intersection of South First Avenue and Lincoln Highway, which is the center of Coatesville’s Gateway Redevelopment Project. Crews have already begun the process of preparing the buildings to be demolished, which will take place next week. Construction of the new buildings is slated to begin shortly thereafter and is scheduled to reach completion in late 2018.

The development project is expected to include two restaurants, one of which will be in the historic National Bank of Chester Valley building, as well as retail and office space and a secure parking area.

“All eyes are on Coatesville to see what you’re doing here because it’s really important and I’m happy to be a part of this, I’m really impressed,” Wolf stated.

People dropping off donations on a rainy Saturday at Brandywine Picnic Park to support the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

EAST BRADFORD — The owners of Brandywine Picnic Park and Hickory House Catering are no strangers to dealing with floods.

Gripping the banks of Brandywine Creek just outside of West Chester, the park floods at least once per year. A three-inch rainfall will flood the parking lot. Higher amounts invade buildings, damaging equipment. Catastrophic amounts can rip down tents and send picnic tables, paddle boats, and grills down river as far as the Brandywine River Museum on US-1.

That’s why Kate and Devin, two Capps granddaughters who work at the park, decided to do what they could to send relief down to the folks in Texas reeling from Hurricane Harvey. As Kate Phillips explained, it started with “a small little idea” in the form of a Facebook post on the park’s page:

“TO ALL OUR CHESTER COUNTY FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, do you feel like you could do more to help those who lost everything in the flooding? Brandywine Picnic Park will be holding a collection drive for items to send to Texas to help with the relief!”

A 2014 storm that dumped 5.5 inches. This is the parking lot and admission booth at Brandywine Picnic Park with around four feet of water. Times’ file photo.

They asked that any donations of water, new clothes, non-perishable food and toiletries be dropped off Saturday, September 2nd, at the park. The plan was to mail any donations or, if they got enough, pack up their 30-foot Hickory House Catering van and take a field trip to a Dallas non-profit collection center for families in need.

Phillips did not anticipate their Facebook post being shared over 1,100 times.

They were overwhelmed with the community response. Cars, vans, and trucks pulled into their parking lot. The catering van was full within the first hour.

Trucks dropped off six pallets of water. One generous individual ordered a pallet of horse feed and had it drop-shipped directly to the park. Scores of local residents brought new clothes, baby items, paper goods and cleaning supplies. Phillips estimates they will need two tractor trailers for the donations.

Kate Phillips in the game room pointing to Hurricane Irene flood line (three feet in a building that is around four feet off the ground)

The Capps family understands the planning needed for storms like Harvey, and the long expensive road to recovery. Serious flooding requires all their cooking equipment be moved inside. Boats and picnic tables must be secured. Trailers are brought to higher ground outside the park.

A small flood coats the park with mud that must be cleaned. Large floods send employees down-river to retrieve as much as they can. One time they hired a helicopter to find part of the “fun slide” that washed away.

Flooding during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 had water near the top of the arches on the Lenape Bridge. Here, two trailers from Brandywine Picnic Park are lodged under the bridge after the storm. Image courtesy Brandywine Picnic Park.

Hurricanes Floyd (1999) and Irene (2011) put the park completely underwater. During Floyd, the park’s petting zoo had seven feet of water. The 33 animals climbed up the ramp to the second story of the building, with baby goats standing on the sheep to keep them out of the foot of water on that level. The storm also destroyed every tent.

Phillips says the flooding has gotten worse over time. While the park used to flood with four inches of rainfall, now three inches will do it. She attributes it to the land development. Increases in impervious surfaces limit what the ground will absorb. This is the same problem as what contributed to the flooding in Houston.

“The runoff floods us before the river floods,” Phillips laments.

So now the task is figuring out how to get the collected supplies to Texas. Phillips is looking for one or two tractor trailers and monetary donations for the truck rentals, fuel, tolls, and drivers. If you’d like to donate or if you have connections with a trucking company that can help, please contact the park at the link below. Update: a truck driver has been found and the items are on their way to Texas.

In the meantime, Phillips is watching Hurricane Irma hourly as it heads towards Miami. If the storm turns north and pummels the Carolinas or New Jersey, the park could be in trouble.

]]>http://coatesvilletimes.com/?feed=rss2&p=188470Local mushroom grower to hold Harvey donation collectionhttp://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=18783
http://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=18783#respondFri, 01 Sep 2017 14:11:45 +0000http://coatesvilletimes.com/?p=18783KENNETT SQUARE — The area’s mushroom growers are working to give back to the community, especially those impacted by Hurricane Harvey — starting with a pair of community drives next week.

South Mill, one of the largest mushroom growers and distributors in the area, has opened their Cypress Street facility for donations going to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. In addition to a financial contribution from the company, South Mill’s employees and the community will be able to donate essential supplies to those in need after this devastating hurricane.A company fleet vehicle will be transporting all supplies to the impacted areas.

Collections will be on Tuesday, Sept. 5 from noon to 6 p.m. and Sept. 8 from noon until 4 p.m. at South Mill’s 740 Cypress Street warehouse.

South Mill staff will be available to help load and unload supplies and would appreciate any volunteers that would like to assist. Those interested should call Maribel Rivera, 610-444-4800, ext. 256 to coordinate times.

Company representatives are opening their doors to any other business in the area that would like to participate with donations. We would like to fill this truck to capacity with the help of our friends, family and our community.

The photos can focus on people in different settings, including businesses, homes, downtowns, public community events, and outdoors, among others. The contest, “Putting a Face on Chester County,” ends at noon Friday, Oct. 13. Six winners will be selected from the submitted photos, across adult and youth categories, with prizes illustrating how to get out and about in the county.

The photo contest is a great way for the public to share how they spend their time in the county, so the Planning Commission better understands what is important in the daily lives of residents as the development of Landscapes3, the county’s next long-range comprehensive plan, continues.

“We’re looking forward to getting more public input into Landscapes3 through the photo contest and seeing great images of the county and its people,” said Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary.

This is the second photo contest that the Planning Commission has conducted during the Landscapes3 update process. Last year, the agency asked residents for their favorite place in Chester County and received 375 entries that represented many of the best places in the county.

Anyone who submits a photo early for this year’s contest will be entered into a random drawing for two tickets to Natural Lands’ Roots & Bluestems event, featuring live music, craft beer, and food truck treats amid the Stroud Preserve’s rolling hills and meadows. Information about the event can be found here. The deadline to submit a photo for this early prize is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5.

This photo contest would not be possible without the generous support of Natural Lands and the other sponsors: Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum and Millstone Café, Dansko, Trek Bicycles (Exton), The American Helicopter Museum, and the Palace Bowling and Entertainment Center. Prizes from these other partners will be awarded to the selected winners in the adult and youth categories.

Two people from State College are facing charges that they engaged in a murder for hire scheme to silence a potential witness in a drug bust earlier this year in Charlestown.

District Attorney Tom Hogan said that Christopher Pickard and Latrice Harrington attempted to arrange the death of another person — presumably a person who was in the car with Pickard when he was arrested and charged with possession of 813 baggies of heroin.

“This case is a clear example of how dangerous drug traffickers can be in the United States,”Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. Keye Wysocki said in a statement. “Within days of being arrested and from within prison, the defendant orchestrated a murder-for-hire in an attempt to elude a conviction for a drug arrest.”

After his arrest, authorities said, Pickard was remanded to Chester County Prison. Pickard, authorities said, then began to suspect that the passenger in his car was cooperating with the police in the drug investigation, or, as Pickard put it, the passenger was “ratting” on him to the police.

Latrice Harrington

Law enforcement then received information that Pickard wanted to solicit a hitman to kill the passenger (hereinafter referred to as the “victim”). Pickard was provided with a telephone number for a hitman, who actually was an undercover police officer.

Pickard then allegedly worked with his co-defendant Latrice Harrington to arrange for the murder of the victim. Pickard offered the hitman “$2,000 cash and an ounce of the dog food” (code for heroin) to kill the victim. Harrington, Pickard’s girlfriend, reportedly worked with Pickard to funnel communications between Pickard and the hitman.

The defendants then allegedly arranged for the hitman to see pictures of the victim on the social media sites Facebook and Snapchat. The defendants identified the victim’s residence and a good time of day for the murder.

Harrington then reportedly picked up two firearms for Pickard, a sawed-off shotgun and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Investigators said that Harringtondelivered the firearms and a $300 down payment to the hitman for the murder. Pickard promised to supply the hitman with heroin when Pickard got out of prison.

The defendants then reportedly confirmed that the hitman had murdered the victim. The hitman informed Harrington, “He’s dead.. .. the dude’s gone and he’s not breathing and he’s out of the state many states away.” Harrington replied, “Alright that’s always good news thank you so much for that.” Harrington thenrelatedto Pickard, “That thing is done, you don’t have to worry about somebody anymore.”

The defendants have been charged with conspiracy and solicitation to commit murder, weapons charges, and related offenses.

“This is a clear example of the ‘Stop Snitching’ culture that is pervasive in drug cases and cities like Philadelphia,” Hogan said. “Chester County law enforcement is always vigilant, and the criminals should be aware that they only make a bad situation worse for themselves when they try these tactics in Chester County. The Pennsylvania State Police andChester County Detectives did an outstanding job in this case.”